CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Police have registered a case against Dr Kantaraj, a controversial figure and self-proclaimed political analyst, for making defamatory and obscene remarks against actresses during an interview with YouTuber Mukhtar Ahmed. In the interview, Dr Kantaraj made disturbing comments about women in the film industry, accusing them of engaging in the “casting couch” for fame and money. His remarks have sparked outrage across social media platforms.
Dr Kantaraj, the brother of former Assembly Speaker K Rajaram and a staunch Dravidianist, has gained notoriety for his provocative statements targeting various communities, including Brahmins and Hindus. In his latest interview, his comments crossed the line as he objectified and disparaged women, specifically actresses, suggesting that sexual harassment in the film industry was consensual.
The video in question, which has now gone viral, begins with Mukthar Ahmed asking Dr. Kantaraj, “Have you heard of ‘Adjustment’?” Dr Kantaraj replied affirmatively and went on to explain that there was no need for such “adjustments” in the film industry, as everything was done with mutual consent. When Mukthar questioned the morality of this practice, Dr Kantaraj dismissed his concerns, implying that Mukthar’s criticism stemmed from a lack of personal opportunity.
Dr Kantaraj further trivialised the issue, comparing it to a stork waiting at a sluice gate. He said, “It’s all part of life; is this really an issue? It’s like the saying, ‘The stork that waits patiently at the sluice head leaves the small sprats alone and waits for the larger fish.’ We weren’t like that stork; we pursued the small sprats until the larger fish arrived.”
In a particularly offensive comment, Dr Kantaraj mocked actresses who have spoken out about sexual abuse decades after the fact. “They are claiming after 30 years that they have been ruined (sexually abused)… So, shall I not claim that 30 years ago, I also ruined some?” he said, laughing. Mukthar interjected, “All are field out,” to which Kantaraj responded, “Yes, all are expired.” Dr Kantaraj continued, “Now they are speaking up. All these rusty goods are now sitting and claiming they have been abused. Is this even a topic? I find it laughable.”
The offensive nature of Dr Kantaraj’s comments has led to widespread criticism, with many demanding strict legal action against him. Comparisons are being drawn between the swift action taken against YouTuber Savukku Shankar and the slower response in Dr Kantaraj’s case. Shankar was previously arrested under the Goondas Act for making derogatory remarks about women police officers, and his detention was only revoked following a High Court intervention.
Dr Kantharaj made several inflammatory statements, suggesting that actresses willingly engaged in the ‘casting couch’ to advance their careers, only to later claim victimhood. He compared the situation to a stork waiting for bigger fish, saying, “We pursued the small sprats until the larger fish arrived.” He further mocked actresses who have spoken up about their abuse after many years, referring to them as “rusty goods” trying to revive their lost market image.
Kantharaj’s remarks extended beyond the film industry, claiming that the medical profession also had its own “adjustments” similar to those in cinema. He argued that the sexual exploitation in the film industry was consensual, stating, “You share a bed and get paid for it, only to later don a chastity mask. What’s fair in that?”
Mukthar Ahmed, the interviewer, also provoked Kantharaj with his own inflammatory remarks, further encouraging him to share his unfiltered opinions. Both men discussed how actresses entering the film industry must comply with “adjustments” related to the casting couch. Kantharaj questioned why actresses perform rain-drenched scenes in revealing clothing, insinuating that they deliberately used their bodies to gain attention and fame.
Kantharaj also made derogatory comments about prominent women in Tamil Nadu politics and the film industry, including former AIADMK Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalitha, as well as actress and politician Radhika Sarathkumar. He claimed that actresses like Jyothika, the wife of actor Suriya, had to engage in obscenity to secure film opportunities.
The video, which has since gone viral, sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding legal action against both Kantharaj and Mukthar.
They also targeted actress Shakeela, pointing out that she had acted in adult only films in the past and was now complaining about sexual harassment in the industry. They criticised MGR and Shivaji Ganesan with Kantharaj specifically targeting MGR. He claimed that MGR had included the most explicit content in his films, yet all the women voted for him and actresses performed glamorous roles in his movies.
He said that the difference between a sex worker and an actress is that while sex workers are considered inferior, actresses are seen as superior and are treated as leaders.
The story of Sabarimala Ayyappan is mentioned, with the claim that he was born from a homosexual union. The Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, is framed as a celebration of homosexuality, allegedly initiated by Vishnu and Naratha, who are said to have given birth to 60 babies. Kantharaj said Diwali, the tale of Satyabhama killing Narakasura is cited as its origin. Narakasura, according to this account, was the son of Satyabhama and Lord Krishna. However, since Satyabhama and Krishna had no children, the question arises, Who was Narakasura’s true father?
Muthar is seen with CM MK Stalin and his son cum Minister Udhaya Nidhi Stain in various pictures.
Neither Mukthar nor the Kantharaj had no guts to talk about the marriage of EV Ramaswamy naicker with his step daughter Maniammai , half of his age and his sexual life in his earlier life.
On September 13, 2024, Actress Rohini Molleti has filed a criminal complaint with the City Police Commissioner’s office against Dr. Kantharaj, accusing him of making inappropriate and insulting remarks about actresses
டாக்டர் காந்தராஜ் மீது வழக்குப் பதிவு#Drkantharaj | #Rohini pic.twitter.com/4DFDZkeco2
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) September 16, 2024
Rohini has requested legal action against Dr. Kantharaj and the removal of the video from YouTube. Police has filed an FIR based on her complaint.
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